Definition

Category

Plural

Sastrugi (Russian); variation, zastruga; synonym, skavler

Description

Sastrugi are irregular, wavelike, or domical ridges or grooves (Doumani
1967), which align parallel with the prevailing wind direction (Fig.
1). Similar to other erosional features and unlike depositional features, their steep face is on the windward side (Daffern
2009) and may be overhanging, forming a snow cornice (Averianov
1969, p. 28). Sastrugi fields – e.g., ridges separated by grooves – can produce a terrain of extreme surface roughness (Benson
1971). Sets of sastrugi of different orientations can form a network of ridges (Warren et al.
1998).